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Molecular Bases of Eyes Diseases Training Program

Applications are due September 2021
Contact Kelly Williamson (617) 807-7866

This postdoctoral program, sponsored by the National Eye Institute, provides expert training in molecular approaches and techniques that can be applied to ophthalmology and vision research.  In includes full-time research, didactic courses, and mentoring.

Since the initiation of the program in 1997, the program has trained and mentored more than 70 trainees, many of whom are leaders in the field of vision research. 

Three fellowship positions are available each year. Trainees are supported by the program for the first year and are expected to apply for individual funding to support the remaining period.

Program Details

Mentored experience

Trainees receive mentorship from Harvard Medical School faculty members who are experts in a diverse range of disciplines, such as ocular immunology, vascular biology, neurobiology to regenerative medicine, gene therapy, and growth factor biology. These faculty members are investigating a number of important ocular pathologies, such as age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, retinopathy of prematurity, retinal degenerations, corneal inflammation, wound healing, dry eye and corneal transplantation.

Faculty include:

Patricia D’Amore, PhD, MBA Neena Haider, PhD
Lloyd Paul Aiello, MD, PhD Zhigang He, PhD, BM
Joseph Arboleda-Velasquez, MD, PhD Tatjana Jakobs, MD
Pablo Argueso, PhD Ula Jurkunas, MD
Petr Baranov, MD, PhD Leo Kim, MD, PhD
Larry Benowitz, PhD George L. King, MD
Kinga M. Bujakowska, PhD Bruce Ksander, PhD
Constance Cepko, PhD Richard Maas, MD, PhD
Sunil Chauhan, DVM, PhD Joan W. Miller, MD
Dong Feng Chen , MD, PhD Eric Ng, PhD
Jing Chen, PhD Eric Pierce, MD, PhD
James Chodosh, MD, MPH Jaya Rajaiya, PhD
Robert D’Amato, MD, PhD Magali Saint-Geniez, PhD
Reza Dana, MD, MSc, MPH Lois Smith, MD, PhD
Darlene Dartt, PhD Luk Vandenberghe, PhD
Elizabeth Engle, MD Demetrios Vavvas, MD, PhD
Edward Feener, PhD Janey Wiggs, MD, PhD
Michael Gilmore, PhD Michael Young, PhD
Meredith Gregory-Ksander, PhD  

Affiliates

Affiliates

Our affiliates in Boston, including Mass Eye and Ear, Boston Children's Hospital, Beetham Eye Institute at Joslin Diabetes Center,  and Schepens Eye Research Institute of Mass Eye and Ear, provide an outstanding research environment with access to excellent facilities and resources. These are all aimed at educating well qualified trainees in knowledge and understanding of the basic and clinical principles that are key to identifying and solving important ophthalmic problems, instruction in grant and manuscript writing and review as well as presentation skills, and training in the responsible conduct of research.

How to Apply

Deadline

Applications are due September 2021
Contact Kelly Williamson (617) 807-7866

Eligibility

Candidates must: 

  • Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Have a PhD or MD, with a background in basic or translational research that's relevant to the MBED program outline
  • Must be less than two years from your terminal doctorate degree
  • Be working (full time)  in the laboratory of a faculty mentor on the MBED program
  • Be first author on at least one basic science paper that was published from your graduate school project

Application Materials

  • Brief abstract from your PhD thesis or previous basic research studies from graduate/medical school
  • Official graduate school transcripts (if non-conforming to the typical A,B,C and associated GPA format a description of grades and corresponding GPAs should be included from the school
  • Brief proposal for research (one page maximum), excluding references. New work should be distinct from previous graduate training
  • Two letters of recommendation from previous mentors and/or advisors
  • Faculty mentor's letter of commitment, confirming two years of support (including a detailed training plan for the candidate)
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Documentation to support your U.S. citizenship or permanent residency